Liu Yue invited everyone into the meeting room. Ye Chen quietly pushed Situ Rui's wheelchair, while Luo Bing followed close behind Liu Yue.
Inside, Ye Chen noticed 32 people already gathered. Among them were familiar faces like Bai Sheng, with Bai San and Du Yao standing firmly behind him, looking every bit like bodyguards.
Ye Chen found it odd. Bai San and Du Yao didn't hold any official titles in Liu Yue's company—what were they doing here?
Most of the room's attention was fixed on Liu Yue and Luo Bing. The two women were like a flawless painting, their beauty stunning enough to leave the men speechless.
When Situ Rui entered, everyone stood and greeted him respectfully. "Greetings, Director Situ!"
Situ Rui nodded faintly. "You may all sit."
Though composed on the outside, Situ Rui was thoroughly disgusted with the Bai Sheng faction. After discovering they were essentially loan sharks operating within his company, he had no desire to keep dealing with them.
Everyone took their seats—except for Ye Chen and Luo Bing. Luo Bing stood behind Liu Yue, while Ye Chen positioned himself behind Situ Rui.
Situ Rui cleared his throat. "Let me get straight to the point. As you all know, my health has been declining. So, I've decided to transfer all of my shares to Liu Yue and officially step down as director."
Murmurs rippled across the room. Most shareholders had already anticipated this moment.
"Luo Bing, bring the documents," Situ Rui instructed.
Luo Bing stepped forward and handed him a file. After a brief exchange, both Situ Rui and Liu Yue signed the documents. Just like that, Liu Yue became both CEO and Director of the company.
"To this occasion," Bai Sheng suddenly stood, raising his tea cup. "Let's celebrate this moment with a toast!"
But Bai Sheng wasn't just celebrating. He had earlier instructed Du Yao to lace the tea with a mind-control poison—specifically targeting Situ Rui, Liu Yue, and any neutral shareholders.
He hadn't expected Situ Rui to attend in person, so Bai Sheng had pushed his plan forward.
Ye Chen sensed something was off about the tea. The moment he walked in, he could feel a strange energy in the room—and it centered around the teacups.
"Madam Situ, Miss Liu Yue, allow me to prepare some special tea for you," Ye Chen suddenly offered, playing the role of a humble assistant. He gave Liu Yue a subtle wink, signaling her to play along.
Liu Yue, ever sharp, quickly understood. "Sure, Ye Chen. I'd love some of your tea."
Bai Sheng's smile twitched. His carefully laid plan was unraveling in front of him.
"CEO Liu," Bai Sheng said with forced calm, "this is the finest tea in the world—exquisite and expensive. There's no need to trouble this young man."
"Sorry, Uncle Bai," Liu Yue replied coolly. "But I trust Ye Chen's taste more."
"But wouldn't it be a waste if no one drank this tea?" Bai Sheng pressed, trying to force the issue.
No one else dared to touch their cups while Liu Yue and Situ Rui abstained.
"Then how about this?" Ye Chen smiled as he picked up two cups. "Let's offer this fine tea to the gentlemen standing behind you. Can't leave anyone out, right?"
He handed one cup to Bai San, who hesitated. He knew Du Yao had poisoned it. Looking toward his father for guidance, Bai Sheng gave him a subtle nod.
Gritting his teeth, Bai San reluctantly took the cup.
Ye Chen turned to Du Yao. "And here's yours."
Du Yao narrowed his eyes. "Kid, I hate people who interfere with my work."
Ye Chen played dumb. "I'm just offering you tea. Did I say something wrong?"
"Drop the act," Du Yao growled. Without warning, he pulled a needle from his sleeve and jabbed it straight into Ye Chen's chest.
Ye Chen collapsed, motionless.
"Ye Chen!" Liu Yue and Situ Rui cried out in alarm.
"Bai Sheng, what are your people doing?!" Liu Yue snapped, furious.
Bai Sheng looked genuinely shocked. "Du Yao, what the hell are you doing?!"
"I'm done playing games," Du Yao said coldly. "Let's finish this now."
He stepped forward, pulling out another poisoned needle, aiming straight for Liu Yue and Situ Rui. Both looked terrified. Without Ye Chen, they were vulnerable.
Liu Yue turned to Luo Bing, desperate. "Officer Luo, arrest him!"
At last, Luo Bing moved. Calm and unfazed, she took out a small pouch and tossed a fine powder into the air.
Within seconds, people began collapsing one by one, unconscious.
"Ye Chen," Liu Yue called his name weakly, just before she too fell.
The powder was a powerful sedative—no one would be waking up anytime soon.
Du Yao chuckled darkly. "Turns out you're a cultivator. Looks like I've found myself a new toy."
But what he didn't know was—he wasn't the predator.
Luo Bing's face remained icy and impassive. "I don't know who you are or what your goals are. Surrender now, and I won't have to use force."
"Fat chance," Du Yao snarled. He launched several deadly needles at her.
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